5 Incredible Day Trips from Okayama You Shouldn't Miss
Looking for travel recommendations around Okayama? This city is often overlooked by visitors traveling between the Kansai region and Hiroshima, but its convenient location makes it an excellent base for several memorable day trips. Here are five of my favorite day trips from Okayama, each offering something completely different and all accessible by public transportation.
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage: A Different Way to Discover Shikoku
As a shrine and temple lover, one of the goals on my Japan bucket list is to complete one day the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While I haven't completed the pilgrimage on foot, I have visited more than 15 of these temples during a one-week road trip across Shikoku. Whether you are considering undertaking the full pilgrimage or simply want to incorporate a few temples into your Shikoku itinerary, I thought it would be helpful to share what I've learned about the pilgrimage, the temples I visited, and why it offers such a different way to experience Shikoku.
A Hiking Guide to the Yamanobe no Michi Trail in Nara
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path hike near Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara, I can't recommend the Yamanobe no Michi Hiking Trail enough. I discovered this trail by chance while searching for lesser-known places to explore in Nara Prefecture, and it turned out to be one of my favorite memories from my last Japan trip. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know before setting out, including how to get there, what to expect, and my favorite highlights along the way.
Ohara Itinerary: an Ideal Countryside Retreat from Kyoto
Let me share with you one of my newest discoveries from my recent trip in Japan to the Kansai region: Ohara. I completely fell under the spell of this small rural town in the mountains of northern Kyoto. Especially after spending a few days in bustling Kyoto and its big crowds, visiting this peaceful town and staying overnight in a traditional hotel felt so nice and refreshing.
Best Things to Do in Shibamata: A Retro Tokyo Day Trip
If you’re looking for a lesser-known area in Tokyo, I would highly recommend a visit to Shibamata, a true hidden gem little-known by international travelers. This historic neighborhood in Eastern Tokyo will make you feel like stepping back in time, with its retro shopping street, traditional sweets shops, a beautiful Buddhist temple and more.
Power Spots in Japan: 16 Mystical Shrines and Temples Off the Beaten Path
In this article, I’m sharing some of the most mystical power spots in Japan that I’ve visited and that left a lasting impression on me. These aren’t the most famous shrines or temples, but lesser-known places I remember for their serenity, setting, and distinct atmosphere. If you’re looking to go beyond the typical itinerary and explore spiritual places in Japan off the beaten path, I hope this list will give you some inspiration.
Yufuin Itinerary: an Ideal Hot Spring Retreat in Kyushu
One of my favourite destinations in Japan is Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This charming country town should be on any itinerary if you decide to explore Kyushu, Japan's third largest island. This onsen town has an enchanting landscape with Mount Yufu in the background, peaceful rice fields and a river, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.
Exploring Nachi-Katsuura: Japan’s Tuna Capital on the Kumano Kodo
Tucked along the southeastern coast of Wakayama Prefecture, Nachi-Katsuura is a fishing town on the Kii Peninsula, best known for its tuna fishing industry and proximity to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls. If you’re looking for a different side of the Kumano region, shaped by early-morning auctions, quiet harbor walks, and evenings spent soaking in hot springs overlooking the sea, then Nachi-Katsuura is a coastal gem you won’t regret adding to your itinerary.
Discover Kibitsu Jinja: An Enchanting Shrine in Okayama’s Countryside
As a shrine and temple lover, I enjoy using this blog to introduce lesser-known places I discover while exploring Japan. Just 20 minutes from central Okayama, Kibitsu Jinja is a beautiful and atmospheric shrine set in peaceful countryside. In this article, I’ll share why you should visit this shrine, what it was like exploring the area, and some tips to help you plan your visit.
One Day in Snowy Takayama: My Walking Itinerary
Takayama is one of those places in Japan that took me completely by surprise and quickly became one of my top recommendations to include in a Japan itinerary, especially in winter. Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, this historic city still feels relatively under the radar, yet it offers a wonderful glimpse into Japan’s Edo-period. I only had one full day to explore Takayama, so in this article I’m sharing my one-day walking itineraryto help you plan your visit, together with some travel tips based on my experience.
10 Hidden Gems in Tokyo: Unique Places to Discover Beyond the Tourist Spots
Beyond famous spots such as Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree, there are so many hidden gems and lesser-known places that I was lucky enough to discover during the four years I lived in this wonderful city. In this list of Tokyo's hidden gems, I have included practical tips such as the nearest train stations, admission prices, and other interesting places nearby, as well as links to more detailed guides when I have written them.
Three Little-Known Autumn Walking Itineraries in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of famous autumn spots like Rikugien Garden or Meiji Jingu Gaien, but if you’re looking for something quieter and more off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of lesser-known walks where you can enjoy the season with less crowds. In this article, I’ll introduce three little-known autumn walking itineraries in Tokyo that are perfect for a day out.
Okunoshima Rabbit Island, Japan: Everything You Need to Know
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Okunoshima is one of Japan’s most unique destinations. This small island, also known as ‘Rabbit Island’, is home to over 1000 friendly rabbits freely roaming around. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit, from how to get there and the best things to do, to travel tips and more.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri: A Guide to Japan's Most Adrenaline-Fueled Festival
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a Japanese festival taking place every year in mid-September in the city of Kishiwada, in Osaka Prefecture. I was lucky enough to be in Osaka in 2023 during the weekend it took place. Read on if you'd like to find out more about this festival, get an insight from my experience, and discover my tips and some practical information if you're planning to attend this year!
Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba: Discover Japan’s Iconic Pearl Destination
Looking for a unique cultural experience in Japan’s Kansai region? Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, Mie Prefecture, is a must-visit for anyone curious about Japanese craftsmanship, ocean heritage, and the origins of cultured pearls. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get there, what to see and do, and additional travel tips to turn your trip into a memorable day exploring the coastal city of Toba.
Visit Oarai in Ibaraki: A Guide to a Coastal Gem Near Tokyo
Oarai is a lovely seaside town in Ibaraki prefecture. It’s an underrated destination that is perfect to avoid the crowds, especially during busy travel seasons like Golden Week, while enjoying beautiful ocean sceneries. If you enjoy the sound of waves, fresh sea air, and delicious seafood, Oarai is definitely a place to add to your Japan travel bucket list!
Yugawara Onsen Guide: Nature, Temples and Coastal Charm Near Tokyo
Looking for a peaceful getaway from Tokyo that’s completely off-the-beaten path? Let me introduce you to Yugawara, an overlooked but charming onsen town tucked along Sagami Bay. Just under two hours from the city, Yugawara has long been known as a hot spring destination, yet it remains under the radar compared to nearby Atami. I spent a weekend in Yugawara and loved how relaxed and nostalgic it felt.
Magose-toge Pass Hiking Guide: A Quiet Kumano Kodo Experience in Mie
Located in the mountains of Mie Prefecture, near Owase, the Magose-toge Pass trail is a historic stone-paved path that leads you through ancient cypress forests and offers panoramic viewpoints along the way. I hiked it during my one-week road trip through Mie and Wakayama Prefectures and was struck by how peaceful it was. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of the trail.
Discover Kotohira in Shikoku: Kompira-san, Local Charm and Hot Springs
Kotohira is a town I highly recommend including on your Shikoku itinerary. If you’re a slow traveler, shrine lover, or looking to explore a lesser-known gem, Kotohira is absolutely worth the visit if you’re in Kagawa prefecture. It ended up being one of my favorite stops during my one-week Shikoku road trip. In this Kotohira travel guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in Kotohira, where to stay and essential travel tips to make the most of your visit.
A Nature Day Trip to Izu: Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro Itinerary
The Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro are two natural wonders of the Izu Peninsula located in Ito city that can easily be combined as a day trip from Tokyo, Atami or other nearby towns in the Izu Peninsula. If hiking along a scenic coastline and walking around the crater of an extinct volcano sounds intriguing to you, then this day trip itinerary should interest you!
Hi, I’m Sarah! I hope you enjoy reading my blog.